The Wood Buffalo Community Foundation, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta, is planning to provide over $1 million to transform public spaces in response to COVID-19.

The two groups are accepting applications from organizations across Alberta’s north region who have plans to create safe and vibrant public spaces, improve mobility options, provide digital solutions to help their neighbourhoods or communities navigate the pandemic, or look to build back better in the COVID-19 recovery.

Approved projects will receive between $5,000 and $250,000.

“Public spaces are the glue to our communities: they enable a feeling of belonging and of social cohesion. They are a big part of what makes communities safe, vibrant, and connected,” said Gaylene Weidlich, Executive Director of the WBCF.

“As northern Alberta faces increased isolation due to COVID-19, the Healthy Communities Initiative will help our community to connect safely and will benefit the mental and physical well-being of our residents.”

This funding is part of the government of Canada’s $31 million ‘Healthy Communities Initiative.’

The deadline to apply for the first round of funding is March 9, 2021, by 5 p.m. PST. Applications will again be accepted starting in May as the organizations prepare to provide a second wave of funds.